Stress tests are used in risk management by banks in order to determine how certain crisis scenarios would affect the value of their portfolios, and by public authorities for financial stability purposes. Until the first half of 2007, interest in stress-testing was largely restricted to practitioners. Since then, the global financial system has been hit by deep turbulences, including the fallout from sub-prime mortgage lending. Many observers have pointed out that the severity of the crisis has been largely due to its unexpected nature and have claimed that a more extensive use of stress-testing methodologies would have helped to alleviate the repercussions of the crisis. This book analyses the theoretical underpinnings, as well as the practical aspects, of applying such methodologies. Building on the experience gained by the economists of many national and international financial authorities, it provides an updated toolkit for both practitioners and academics.

‘This book could not be timelier given the crucial role played by stress tests in many governments’ strategies to deal with the current crisis. It is essential reading for central bankers, scholars and practitioners. The editor, Mario Quagliariello, has done an outstanding job in bringing together such a good group of knowledgeable authors. The coverage of the foundations of stress testing, applications and experience with various approaches is excellent.’

Franklin Allen - University of Pennsylvania

‘The publication of this volume is a dramatic step forward in crystallising the issues that challenge our understanding of systemic fragility and in assessing the promise of macro-stress testing as a tool for policy makers and supervisors. The daunting nature of the task and the monumental efforts required are made evident in the context of a comprehensive presentation of the state of the art.’

Barry Schachter - Moore Capital Management

‘The need to complement risk management models with rigorous and sound stress-testing techniques has been clearly highlighted not only by the New Basel Capital Accord but also by the recent financial crisis. Building on the experience gained by economists from a large number of financial authorities worldwide, this book represents the most comprehensive and well organized collection of methodological and empirical studies on this key subject.’

Andrea Sironi - Bocconi University, Milan